“It’s not a glitch in the system—it’s a message. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is set to share his ballot with nearly 80 rivals in an organized ballot protest in Poilievre’s riding. This protest, more about reform than results, highlights growing dissatisfaction with the current political landscape and aims to send a strong message for change.”
Longest Ballot in Canada? It Could Happen in Carleton.
In a dramatic turn for Canada’s 2025 federal election, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is facing an unprecedented wave of competition in his own riding of Carleton—nearly 80 names will appear alongside his on the ballot.
This isn’t a surge in last-minute political ambition. It’s a calculated protest by a group called the Longest Ballot Committee, aiming to spotlight what they call a democratic dysfunction in Canada’s electoral system.
Not About Winning—About Reforming the Rules
At the heart of the movement is a call for systemic change. The group wants a non-partisan citizens’ assembly to take control of electoral reform, arguing that politicians shouldn’t be the ones writing the rules for their own elections.
“Politicians managing election laws is a clear conflict of interest,”
said organizer Tomas Szuchewycz, who is also acting as the official agent for the protest candidates.
Their hope? That by cluttering the ballot, they’ll make the issue impossible to ignore.
Why Poilievre in the Ballot Protest—and Not Carney?
Interestingly, the group had planned to target both Poilievre’s and Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s ridings. But time ran out before they could organize in Carney’s newly declared seat of Nepean.
“We really wanted to do both leaders,” said Szuchewycz. “But things didn’t align fast enough.”
Despite this, their mission remains clear: challenge the status quo and force a national conversation on democratic representation.
Ballots Nearly a Metre Long—and Counting
This isn’t the first time the Longest Ballot Committee has overloaded a federal ballot. In 2024, a Montreal byelection made history with 91 candidates, breaking a previous record of 84. If Carleton’s ballot reaches 93 candidates, it will set yet another national record.
The consequence? Slower vote counts, longer ballots, and a logistical headache for Elections Canada.
Elections Canada Voices Concern
Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault has publicly criticized the tactic, noting the accessibility challenges it poses, particularly for voters with disabilities.
Still, the group remains unfazed.
“The system already confuses voters,”
Szuchewycz counters.
“We’re not adding much more confusion—just exposing the flaws.”
Elections Canada is preparing by exploring options like early advance ballot counting and extra staffing, but admits election night in Carleton could be a long one.
A Ballot Protest That’s Making Headlines—But Will It Make Change?
The group is clear: they’re not trying to win votes—they’re trying to win attention. As Canada edges closer to election day, the growing list of candidates in Carleton is turning into a symbolic standoff over electoral accountability.
Whether it triggers reform or simply clogs the process, one thing is certain: this is no ordinary ballot.
Stay with Maple News Wire for continued coverage on Election 2025—from record-breaking ballots to rising political tensions.
